COVID-19 investing information website launched

The Nova Scotia Securities Commission has launched a web page and online video to provide COVID-19 investing information to the public.

The page, which can be found at nssc.novascotia.ca/ covid19, compiles all news releases, notices and blanket orders issued to provide relief for individuals or applicants from a regulatory requirement about COVID-19 by the commission, the Canadian Securities Administrators and the North American Securities Administrators Association.

The page also has a video highlighting the increased prevalence of Covid-19-related investment fraud. While scammers find many angles to perpetrate frauds in uncertain times, the video focuses on specific frauds that securities regulators are warning investors about, according to a news release.

They are pump-and-dump scams, fake emails, texts and phone calls, and fake securities trader jobs.

The page also has information on stock market volatility and working with an adviser to help investors make informed investment decisions.

"The commission wants to make it as easy as possible for investors, registrants, issuers and other industry members to find COVID-19 investing information in one place," said David Harrison, investor education and communications officer with the commission, in the release.

"Unfortunately, during uncertain times like the COVID19 pandemic, fraudsters try to take advantage of investors' fears to steal their money. We are reminding investors to be vigilant and to heavily scrutinize any investment opportunities that involve COVID-19."

Anyone who believes they have been contacted by someone engaging in investment fraud or fraudulent activities is advised to contact the commission at nssc.novascotia.ca/ recognize-and-report-scam.

Along with the new video, the commission's Youtube channel has short investor education clips on investment fraud, elder financial abuse and basic investment topics.